Jack Cochrane Biography 2026: Age, Height, Wife, Salary & Chiefs Career
Jack Cochrane is an American football linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs. He signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022 after a standout career at the University of South Dakota. Cochrane earned a Super Bowl ring with Kansas City in 2023 and continues to compete for defensive snaps in 2026.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Jack Cochrane |
|---|---|
| Nick Name | Coch |
| Profession | NFL Linebacker |
| Birth Date | February 9, 1999 |
| Age | 27 years 8 months old |
| Birth Place | Mount Vernon, Iowa, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Kansas City Chiefs linebacker, Super Bowl LVII champion |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Height & Weight | 6’3″ (1.91 m), 236 lbs (107 kg) |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s in Kinesiology, University of South Dakota |
| Religion | Christian |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Relationships | Not publicly disclosed |
| Children | None |
| Family Tree | Parents: Jeff and Julie Cochrane; Siblings: 2 sisters |
| Hobbies | Fishing, hunting, golf, video games |
| Current Work | Linebacker, Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) |
| Years Active | 2022–present |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million (estimated 2026) |
| Draft Status | Undrafted Free Agent (2022) |
| College | University of South Dakota (2017–2021) |
| High School | Mount Vernon High School |
| Jersey Number | 43 |
Other notable NFL linebackers trending in 2026 include Nick Bolton (Chiefs teammate), Micah Parsons (Cowboys), Fred Warner (49ers), and Roquan Smith (Ravens).
Early Life & Education
Jack Cochrane was born on February 9, 1999, in Mount Vernon, Iowa. He grew up in a tight-knit farming community where Friday night football defined the social calendar. His father, Jeff, coached youth football, and Jack started playing organized tackle at age eight.
At Mount Vernon High School, Cochrane starred at linebacker and running back. He earned first-team all-state honors as a senior after recording 142 tackles and 12 touchdowns. Despite the production, major programs overlooked him due to his school’s small classification.
Cochrane chose the University of South Dakota over FCS offers from Northern Iowa and South Dakota State. He redshirted in 2017, then became a four-year starter for the Coyotes. He graduated in 2021 with a degree in kinesiology, maintaining a 3.4 GPA while earning Academic All-MVFC honors three times.
Career Journey
College Dominance at South Dakota (2017–2021)
Cochrane appeared in 46 games with 42 starts for the Coyotes. He finished as the program’s all-time leader in tackles (332) and tackles for loss (41.5). His 2021 senior season was historic: 127 tackles, 14.5 for loss, 5.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception returned for a touchdown.
He earned first-team FCS All-American honors from the Associated Press, STATS Perform, and AFCA. Cochrane also won the 2021 Jerry Rice Award finalist recognition and was named MVFC Defensive Player of the Year. His 2021 game against Northern Arizona — 19 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 2 sacks — remains the gold standard for Coyote linebackers.
Undrafted to Chiefs Roster (2022)
Despite his college resume, Cochrane went unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft. The Kansas City Chiefs signed him as a priority free agent minutes after the draft ended. General manager Brett Veach cited Cochrane’s football IQ, tackling consistency, and special teams upside.
Cochrane impressed during training camp, leading the team in preseason tackles (18). He made the initial 53-man roster but was waived during final cuts and re-signed to the practice squad. He was elevated for three games in 2022, logging 12 special teams snaps and recording his first NFL tackle against the Broncos.
Super Bowl LVII Season (2023)
Cochrane spent most of 2023 on the practice squad before a late-season promotion. He played in the final four regular-season games and all three playoff contests, including Super Bowl LVII against Philadelphia. He logged 15 special teams snaps in the Chiefs’ 38-35 victory, earning his first championship ring.
Head coach Andy Reid praised Cochrane’s preparation: “Jack prepares like a starter every week. When his number gets called, he’s ready. That’s what you want from the back end of your roster.”
Expanded Role (2024–2025)
In 2024, Cochrane made the 53-man roster out of camp and played all 17 games. He recorded 28 defensive snaps and 287 special teams snaps (64% of total), finishing with 9 special teams tackles — third on the team. He also blocked a punt against the Raiders in Week 12.
The 2025 season saw Cochrane compete for the starting weakside linebacker job after Willie Gay Jr.’s departure. He started three games in nickel packages, posting 19 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 pass deflection. His 42% defensive snap rate in those starts showed growing trust from defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
2026 Season Outlook
Entering 2026, Cochrane is in the final year of his three-year, $2.7 million contract signed in 2024. The Chiefs drafted a linebacker in the fourth round, adding competition. Cochrane’s special teams ace status gives him a floor, but he aims to prove he’s a three-down linebacker. Training camp reports note improved coverage drops and blitz timing.
If Cochrane secures a starting role in 2026, his next contract — whether in Kansas City or elsewhere — could reach $4–5 million annually. His durability (zero missed games since 2023) and special teams value make him a prime candidate for a team-friendly extension.
Career NFL Statistics (Through 2025)
| Season | Team | GP | GS | Comb | Solo | Ast | Sack | TFL | PD | FF | FR | ST Tackles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | KC | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 | KC | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2024 | KC | 17 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| 2025 | KC | 17 | 3 | 19 | 12 | 7 | 1.0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Career | 41 | 3 | 23 | 15 | 8 | 1.0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
Postseason Statistics
| Season | GP | GS | Comb | Solo | ST Tackles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Personal Life
Cochrane keeps his personal life private. As of 2026, he is not married and has no children. He splits the offseason between Kansas City and Mount Vernon, where he helps run youth football camps with his former high school coaches.
His parents, Jeff and Julie, attend every home game at Arrowhead. His two sisters, Megan and Kelsey, are both nurses in the Cedar Rapids area. Cochrane credits his family’s work ethic — his dad ran a grain elevator, his mom taught elementary school — for his NFL persistence.
No public relationships or dating history have been reported. Cochrane’s social media focuses on football, family visits, and outdoor activities. He has stated in interviews that football remains his primary focus during his playing years.
Hobbies & Interests
- Fly fishing on the Mississippi River backwaters near Mount Vernon
- Pheasant hunting in South Dakota each October
- Golf — carries a 12 handicap, plays weekly in offseason
- Video games: Call of Duty, Madden (plays as himself)
- Community work: Chiefs Community Caring Team, Mount Vernon youth camp
Awards & Achievements
- Super Bowl LVII Champion (2023)
- First-Team FCS All-American (2021) — AP, STATS, AFCA
- MVFC Defensive Player of the Year (2021)
- Three-time First-Team All-MVFC (2019, 2020, 2021)
- Jerry Rice Award Finalist (2021)
- Buck Buchanan Award Finalist (2021)
- USD All-Time Tackles Leader (332)
- USD All-Time Tackles for Loss Leader (41.5)
- Three-time MVFC Academic All-Conference (2019–2021)
- Chiefs Practice Squad Player of the Year (2022, internal)
- Special Teams Player of the Week — Week 12, 2024 (blocked punt vs. LV)
Physical Statistics
| Height | 6’3″ (1.91 m) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 236 lbs (107 kg) |
| Arm Length | 32.5″ |
| Hand Size | 9.75″ |
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.68 seconds (Pro Day) |
| Bench Press | 22 reps (225 lbs) |
| Vertical Jump | 34.5″ |
| Broad Jump | 9’10” |
| 3-Cone Drill | 7.12 seconds |
| 20-Yard Shuttle | 4.31 seconds |
Quotes
“I wasn’t recruited by the big schools. I wasn’t drafted. Every step, I’ve had to earn it. That chip on my shoulder never goes away — it just gets sharper.”
— Jack Cochrane, Chiefs Training Camp 2024
“Special teams isn’t a consolation prize. It’s a role. The best teams have guys who take pride in the dirty work. I take pride in it.”
— Jack Cochrane, The Athletic Interview 2025
“Coach Reid tells us: ‘Be where your feet are.’ When I’m on the field — defense, kickoff, punt return — that’s the only place that exists.”
— Jack Cochrane, Postgame Press Conference 2025
Controversies
Cochrane has no known controversies, legal issues, or disciplinary actions during his NFL or college career. He has never been fined by the league, placed on the commissioner’s exempt list, or involved in public disputes. His reputation among teammates and coaches is uniformly positive regarding professionalism and locker room presence.
Favorites
- NFL Team Growing Up: Green Bay Packers
- Favorite Player: Brian Urlacher
- Food: Iowa pork tenderloin sandwich
- Movie: The Sandlot
- Music: Luke Combs, Zach Bryan
- TV Show: The Office
- Vacation Spot: Okoboji, Iowa
- Book: “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink
Earnings
Cochrane’s career earnings through 2025 total approximately $2.1 million. His 2022 practice squad salary was $11,500 per week (18 weeks = $207,000). The 2023 practice squad rate rose to $12,000/week, plus four game checks at the rookie minimum ($705,000 prorated).
His 2024–2026 contract: three years, $2.7 million with $450,000 guaranteed. 2024 base: $915,000. 2025 base: $1.03 million. 2026 base: $1.15 million (non-guaranteed). Per-game roster bonuses add up to $150,000 annually. Special teams performance escalators could add $100,000 in 2026.
Endorsement income remains minimal — estimated under $50,000 annually from local Iowa/Kansas City appearances and a regional sporting goods deal. His 2026 net worth estimate of $1.5 million accounts for taxes, agent fees (3%), and modest living expenses.
For context, the 2026 league minimum for a four-year veteran is $1.15 million. Starting-caliber linebackers on second contracts average $4–8 million annually. Cochrane’s 2026 performance will determine whether he approaches that tier in 2027 free agency.
Interesting Facts
- Cochrane wore #43 at South Dakota because it was the only number left at his position group — he kept it in the NFL.
- He once returned a fumble 87 yards for a touchdown against North Dakota State in 2020, the longest in Coyote history.
- His pregame ritual: eats exactly two peanut butter bananas and listens to the same Luke Combs playlist.
- Cochrane’s blocked punt in 2024 was the Chiefs’ first since 2019.
- He completed his kinesiology degree in 3.5 years while playing four seasons.
- His high school jersey (#43) was retired in 2023 — Mount Vernon’s first in 40 years.
- Cochrane volunteers with the Chiefs’ “Play 60” program, visiting Kansas City elementary schools monthly.
- He owns a 2018 Ford F-150 with 140,000 miles — refuses to upgrade until it dies.
- His first NFL paycheck went to paying off his sister’s student loans.
Did You Know Already?
- Cochrane is one of only three Mount Vernon High School alumni to reach the NFL.
- He played against current Chiefs teammate Justin Reid in the 2022 Senior Bowl practices.
- His 332 career college tackles rank 12th in FCS history across all divisions.
- Cochrane’s father drove 11 hours each way to attend every South Dakota home game.
- He was the only undrafted rookie to make the Chiefs’ 2022 Week 1 roster.
Social Media Links
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Jack Cochrane in 2026?
Jack Cochrane turns 27 on February 9, 2026. He was born in 1999, making him one of the younger veterans on the Chiefs’ defense.
What is Jack Cochrane’s salary for 2026?
His 2026 base salary is $1.15 million, the final year of his three-year deal. With per-game roster bonuses and special teams escalators, he can earn up to $1.4 million if active all 17 games.
Is Jack Cochrane married?
No. As of 2026, Cochrane is single and has not publicly confirmed any long-term relationship. He has stated football is his primary focus.
Did Jack Cochrane win a Super Bowl?
Yes. Cochrane earned a Super Bowl LVII ring with the Kansas City Chiefs after their 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in February 2023. He played in all three playoff games that postseason.
What college did Jack Cochrane go to?
University of South Dakota (2017–2021). He graduated with a kinesiology degree and holds the program records for career tackles (332) and tackles for loss (41.5).
What number does Jack Cochrane wear?
Cochrane wears #43 for the Kansas City Chiefs. He wore the same number at South Dakota and Mount Vernon High School.
How tall is Jack Cochrane?
Jack Cochrane stands 6’3″ (1.91 meters) and weighs 236 pounds (107 kg). His 32.5″ arms and 9.75″ hands are above average for the linebacker position.
Conclusion
Jack Cochrane’s path — undrafted free agent to Super Bowl champion to 2026 roster lock — reflects the Chiefs’ development model at its best. His 2026 season will define whether he’s a career special teamer or a starting linebacker in this league. Either way, the Mount Vernon kid who wasn’t recruited by Iowa or Iowa State has already beaten the odds.
If you found this Jack Cochrane biography helpful, share it with a Chiefs fan or anyone who loves an underdog story. Follow his 2026 journey — the best chapters might still be unwritten.
